Preformed base member



Jan. 6,*1959 E. K. HAAG ErAL PREFORMED'BASEMEMBER Filed June 14, 1955 ATTORNEY United States PREFORIVIED BASE MEMBER Everett K. Haag and Wilbur V. Holsinger, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, assiguors to Paragon Development, luc., vCuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 14, 1955, Serial No. 515,384 4 Claims. (Cl. 20-74) This invention relates to building construction, and in particular, has reference to improvements in the construction of base members that are normally positioned adjacent the point where the interior walls meet the oor of a building.

At the present time, the base portions provided for use on the interior walls asindicated, are installed by a carpenter after the interior walls of the house have been finish-plastered in known manner. These base members, normally of wood, are installed over the plastered surface, with'the result that the same extend into the room area to thus restrict the usable floor space of the same. This projection of Wooden base members also results in the same being accumulation points for dust and other articles of dirt that accrue during the construction and subsequent usage of the house. In addition, the present type of wooden base member is further disadvantageous in View of the fact that the services of a skilled artisan are required for installation in order to present a proper appearance to the finished product.

It has been suggested on previous occasions to use preformcd'bases, characterized by the presence of a removable front section that would open into an internal cavity that would receive the wiring elements that are normally employed in h orne and other construction.

However, without exception, all of the above referred to types of known prior art base construction have involved a structure that projected from the wall surface towards the interior of the room, to thus restrict the usable floor space thereof while simultaneously serving as a collecting point for dirt and other articles.

In addition to the above referred to disadvantages, base members of the known prior art type have been further disadvantageous in that the same were normally painted a different color than the interior wall surface, to thus create a trim effect, with the result that care was necessary in eifectuating such trimming so as to avoid the spilling `of paint on the base surface, for example, which was to be of a dierent color or trim than the wall surface of the room being decorated.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a preformed base that does not require installation by a skilled trade artisan.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a preformed base that is recessed with respect to the iinished wall surface of the room in which the same is ernployed, whereby increased iloor space is obtained in said room.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a preformed base of the character described that does not project into the interior surface of a room, so that no dust collection points are presented.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a preformed base member that is of simplified construction and which can vbe prefabricated and preiinished on a mass production basis prior to installation, in view of the fact that the nshed surfaces of the same will not 2,867,013 CC s gatented Jan. 6, Y1959 Figure 3 is a similar sectional view of a modified form of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 thereof, the improved preformed metal wall base, generally indicated at 10, is shown positioned adjacent sub-flooring 11, Hoor nishing layer 12, studs 13, 13, lathing 14, and Wall iinishing plaster 15, so as to interconnect these structural elements to form the basic construction of Figure 1 in a manner to be described.

To this end, the wall base 10 is shown in the preferred embodiment of the invention as being of two-piece construction, wherein a plaster supporting member 20 is aiixed to a relatively thin wall-engaging backing plate 21 of substantial width in a vertical plane, as by nails 22, 22; the arrangement being such that both member the aligned floor finishing layer 12 and the studs 13, 13.

For the purpose of providing a supporting surface for both the lathing 14 and the plaster layer 15, the member 2t) is shown as being of substantially L-shaped crosssection, wherein one ange 23 is provided for coplanar abutment with the plate 21, while inwardly horizontally extending flange 24 is adapted to receive thereon the lathing 14 and plastering layer 15 as indicated in Figure 1. In order that a smooth and even edge surface between the plaster 15 and base 10 may be obtained, the flangel 24 further includes a relatively short upturned lip 25 which serves as a straightedge for finishing off the plaster 15 when the same is being applied over the positioned base 10. As previously indicated, the backing plate 21 coacts with the member 2i) to providel a unitary base member 10, and accordingly, same (plate 21) is shown as having a top marginal portion 26a (see Figure 1) designed for coplanar abutment ofthe llange 23 of member 20 therewith; while a horizontal ange 27 at the bottom edge thereof is designed to lie between the subilooring 11 and the floor finishing layer 12,k with nails 28, 28 being employed to so secure the ilange 27 with respect to the sub-flooring 11.

Because of the inherent difficulties in securing a uniform abutment between the hardwood flooring 12 and flange 24, the backing plate 21 is shown formed with'a longitudinally coextending rib-like projection 29 uniformly spaced above the flange 27 to thereby provide a shoe-mold effect which operates to cover any gaps or spaces between the marginal edge of finish ooring 12 and the backing plate 21. This spacing between the flange 27 and projection 29 is shown in the drawings as being such that the butt ends of the finish flooring 12 can be snugly received therein to provide a iinished installation.

In use or operation of the improved preformed base 10, it will first be assumed that the construction of the building has proceeded to the point where the sub-flooring 11 has been installed and further that the rough partitions, as defined by the vertically extending studs 13, 13 have been erected on the sub-ilooring 11. At this time, the preformed base may be installed with respect to the aforementioned members by merely positioning the backing plate 21 flatly against the studs 13, 13, while the bottom ange 27 thereof rests upon the sub-llooring 1l,

At this' time, nails 28, 28 may be inserted through the flange'27 to secure the backing'plate 21`in this position. With the backing plate 21thus positioned, the top edge of the ange 23 of member k20 may be aligned with the top edgeof pflange26, and when such alignment is obv t'ained,v nails 2,2, '22 'may be driven through' the `fiange 23 and marginal portion 26a'so as topierce'the studs 13, 13, and' thus retain the member'20 and b'acking'plate21 in this assembled condition. Completion of the'above attachment of the member 20 to the backing 'plate 21 results in the basemember V being completely installed.

Attbis time, the'lathingboard 14 may be installed by nailing the same to the studs 13, 13 in the usual manner, with the bottom edge thereof 'resting on the liangek 24 as shown in Figure lof the drawings. Afterthe installation ofthe lathing board 14 hasbeen completed as indicated, the finish plaster 15 may be installed by merely applying the Vsame in'knownjmanner with the trimming or finishing ofi' ofthe "same being easily effectuated as a result of the upturned lip serving as a straightedge.

When the finish Plastering has been installed, installation of the oor finishing layer 12 may be commenced,

and it will be notedv that during such installation the marginal edges of finishing layer 12 will be concealed between the'rib-like projection 29 and the fiange 27, with 'the result that a smooth appearing, finished product will be obtained. Projection 29 provides a downturned continuous shoulder for engagement with the upper marginal edge portions of flooring layer 12.

It will be noted that as a result of the above construction, the web portion 26 of backing plate 21, defined between the flange 24 and rib-like portion 29 is outwardly offset with respect to the inner edge of fiange 24 and the inner surface of wall surfacing layer 15, and is of substantially broad lateral area. The inner surface of web portion, therefore, may be prefinished during the manufacture of the backing plate which by being offset as described will not be affected in the normal course of events by painting of the plastered wall 15, with the vresult that the paint dripping from the wall will not fall onto the surface of the web portion 26 to mar or otherwisedetract from the appearance of the base 10. It will also be seen from the foregoing that the preformed base 10 provides a finished product capable of easy installation by an ordinary person without the use of `specialized skill or tools as are presently required. As an additional feature, it will be noted vthat the floor area at the point of 'juncture' between the base 10 and the fiooring layer 12"is'considerably"larger 'than the horizontal area of the room asdefined by'theplaster-finished wall surfaces, withrthe result that added floor space is provided in effect, toiincrease the effective size of the room under construction.

In the modified form of the invention shown in Figure 3 of thedrawings, a substantially'similar type of base member is provided, and accordingly, where indicated, like numerals designate like parts.

Accordingly, the embodiment of the invention shown in Figurej3 of the drawings, isillustrated as being of unitary construction wherein an' elongated continuous backing plate 30 is provided atV the bottom edge thereof with a flange 31 for reception between the sub-flooring 11 and the finished ooring 12, The opposed edge portion 30a of the plate 30 is shown bent upon itself so as to 4define a horizontally extending flange 32r upon which the lath 14 and plaster 15 can be received, with nails 33, 33 being driven between the'bent-over portion of the end 30a. As before, van upturned lip 34 is at the free outer Aedge of'the'ange 32 provides a straightedge as an aid'in properly applying the finish plaster layer 15.

"Inuse or operation of this modified form of the invenition; nails '(not shown) may be driven through the flange 31 so as to'secure the' same with respect to thesub-flooring 11, and additional nails 33, 33 maybe driven through the bent-over end portion 30a` so 'as to secure the same with respect to the studs 13, 13. Plastering and installation of the finished floor 12 Amaythen'be'accomplished as previously described. In this modified form of the invention, it will be noted that no projection is illustrated for covering the oor finishing layer 12, and accordingly, if desired, a wood trim strip (not shown) may be provided at the point of juncture between the floor finishing layer 12 and the plate 30. It is to be understood, however, that a rib-like projection (not shown) could bel provided in this unitary type of construction as previously-described in connection with the rib-like projection 29 in Figures l and 2. By the same token, it will be readily seen that flange Z7 of Figures 1 and 2 could be omitted to permit application of flooring layer 12 subsequent to'installation of the base unit on a wall structure. Additionally, the exposed surface of the ange 30 may be prefinished and the same will not be ymarred or otherwise injured during the ensuing construction operation as a result of the recessed nature of the same.

In the preceding paragraphs, ythe component'elements of the preformed base 10 have been sectioned to indicate that the same are of metal. However, it is to beunderstood that any other material could be employed, and that the scope of this invention is not limited tothe'use of a metal base member; It is to be similarly understood that the exposed surface of the base member could be modified to include other types of projections, and similarly, that the same could as desired, either `be prefinished or remain unfinished for painting by the owner at his option. By like token, the Various flanges and base members may be corrugated or otherwise reinforced to add rigidity thereto, and such corrugations on the base per se could be painted to give a stria'ted effect.

It accordingly follows that other modifications ofthe invention may be resorted to without departngfrom lthe spirit thereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A wall base asvfor trimming'the lower corners of a room defined by wall and floor structures thereof, comprising an elongated relatively thin backing plate of substantial width in a Vertical plane thereof and adapted to be attached atly against said wall structure adjacent the floor structure prior to application of Wall finishingl material to the wall structure, said backing plate having an inwardly presented rib-like projection coextending lengthwise thereof adjacent the lower marginal portion of the same and defining a horizontally presented -shoulder adapted to engage along a marginal horizontal-face of a door finishinglayer mounted on the floor structurefwith the marginal edge of the layer presented toward-said wall structure, said backing plate having-affixed thereon an inwardly extending angular ange Which-is spaced vertlcally below the upper edge of the backing plate and providing an upwardly presented seat portion adapted to receive the lower marginal edge portions of wallfinishing material applied to said wall structure, a longitudinally continuous web portion of said backing plate defined between said flange and said rib-like projection thereby being outwardly offset with respect to the inner edge of said ange and thereby adapted to be offset with respect to the inner face of said applied finishing material, said web portion providing an inwardly and-substantially unobstructedly exposed surface of broad lateral area.

2. A wall base as for trimming the lower corners vof a room dened by wall and door structures thereof, cornprising an elongated relatively thin backing plate of substantial width in a vertical plane thereof and adaptedfto be attached fiatly against saidwall structure adjacent the floor structure prior to application of wall finishing-material, said backing plate havingan inwardly. presented rib-like projection extending lengthwise thereofadjacent the lower marginal portion of the same and defining a downwardly presented shoulder'adapted to engage'along the upper marginal face portion of a oor nishing layer mounted on the oor structure with the marginal edge of the layer presented toward said wall structure, said backing plate having affixed thereon an inwardly -extending angular liange which is spaced vertically below the upper edge of the backing plate and providing an upwardly presented seat portion adapted to receive the lower marginal edge portion of wall iinishing material applied to said wall structure, a longitudinally continuous web portion of said backing plate defined between said liange and said rib-like projection thereby being outwardly oiiset with respect to the inner edge of said iiange and thereby adapted to be offset with respect to the inner face of said applied finishing material, said web portion providing an inwardly and substantially unobstructedly exposed surface of broad lateral area.

3. A wall base as for trimming the lower corners of a room dened by wall and oor structures thereof, comprising an elongated relatively thin backing plate of sul stantial width in a vertical plane thereof and adapted to be attached flatly against said wall structure adjacent the oor structure prior to application of wall finishing material, said backing plate having an inwardly presented rib-like projection extending lengthwise thereof adjacent the lower marginal portion of the same and defining a downwardly presented shoulder adapted to engage along the upper marginal face portion of a iioor finishing layer mounted on the oor structure with the marginal edge of the layer presented toward said wall, structure, said backing plate having affixed thereon an inwardly extending angular flange which is spaced vertically below the upper edge of the backing plate and providing an upwardly presented seat portion adapted to receive the lower marginal edge portion of wall finishing material Y applied to said wall structure, a longitudinally continuous web portion of said backing plate defined between said ilange and said rib-like projection thereby being outwardly offset with respect to the inner edge of said iiange and thereby adapted to be olset with respect to the inner face of said applied finishing material, said web portion providing an inwardly and substantially unobstructedly exposed surface of lbroad lateral area, said angular flange having an upturned lip along the Iforward edge thereof, against which a wall finishing tool is engageable to guide the tool coextensively with a plane corresponding to said forward face of the iinishing material.

4. A Wall base as set forth in claim l, said angular ange being one flange of a separate angle bar, the other tiauge of which is adapted to seat flatly against the upper marginal portion of said backing plate, and means being provided for vertically selectively attaching said other ange to said backing plate in variably predetermined vertically spaced relation to said rib-like projection.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 115,247 Bonnell June 13, 1939 1,318,330 Mann Oct. 7, 1919 1,562,680 Bohn Nov. 24, 1925 1,648,336 Dowell et al. Nov. 8, 1927 1,798,839 Gross Mar. 31, 1931 2,203,119 Wollaeger June 4, 1940 2,663,390 Dordel Dec. 22, 1953 2,716,260 Harper Aug. 30, 1955 OTHER REFERENCES Mouldings of Metal, page 4. 

